Gregor Mendel: Planting the Seeds of Genetics Behind much of today's scientific research lie the groundbreaking theories of "the father of genetics," Gregor Mendel (1822-1884). This friar, naturalist, agriculturalist, and botanist undertook revolutionary experiments that have shaped our modern understanding of genes, crossbreeding, and heredity. The Field Museum's new exhibition uses a compelling combination of rare artifacts and interactives to tell the story of Mendel's life and research in the 1800s, chart the rise of classical genetics in the 1900s, and highlight the work of Mendel's present-day "heirs" who use genetics to study evolution, systematics, and biodiversity. This exhibition presents an extraordinary collection of Mendel's notes and correspondence, scientific instruments, botanical specimens, seminal texts annotated in Mendel's own hand, photographs and an oil painting of Mendel, and related objects from Mendel's home and laboratory, the Augustinian Abbey of St. Thomas in Brno, Czech Republic. The exhibition brings to life other pioneering discoveries in the historic and modern era of genetics through key publications, specimens, laboratory equipment, DNA sequence data, and other relevant objects. Throughout the exhibition, contemporary art inspired by genetic research underscores the curiosity about life and nature that drives both artists and scientists. In addition to these remarkable artifacts, engaging interactives encourage visitors to participate in hands-on explorations of Mendel's famous pea experiments and learn the fundamentals of genetics. This exhibition and its national tour were developed by The Field Museum, Chicago, in partnership with The Vereinigung zur Forderung der Genomforschung, Vienna, Austria, and The Mendel Museum, Brno, Czech Republic. Contents: Specimens, artifacts, and contemporary artworks; cases; interactives; audio-visual elements and equipment; graphic panels. Size Requirements: Approximately 4,500 sq. ft. Gallery Requirements: Light levels must be adjustable to the range of 5-15 foot candles. Secure gallery required. Support: A Field Museum project manager to assist with onsite installation and de-installation; educator's guide; PR Kit including sample press release, logo, and images; branded retail products available. Shipping: One-way inbound, paid by host venue. Rental Fee: $85,000 for 3 months. Insurance included. Available Downloads: Gregor Mendel Fact Sheet (PDF, 2.7 mb) Mendel Floor Plan (JPEG, 0.2 mb) Related Images To view a larger image, click on a thumbnail. Learn More: Mendel tour schedule For more information, please contact: Whitney Owens Traveling Exhibitions Director The Field Museum 001-312-665-7332 More Traveling Exhibitions: Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters A T. Rex Named Sue Chocolate 50 Years of Powwow Transforming Tradition: Pottery from Mata Ortiz George Washington Carver Mammoths and Mastodons A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico Pearls Traveling Exhibitions Home *Additional Photo Credit Information Album Benary, peas with Mendelian characteristics © John Innes Archive